10 Kid Friendly Mid-Atlantic President’s Day Weekend Destinations

Looking to get away for the long President’s Day weekend in February? Whether you want to visit a historical place or simply enjoy time together as a family, the Mid-Atlantic region offers many destinations. Travelers can enjoy that these places are ideal for a short, three-day weekend getaway.

10 Kid Friendly Mid-Atlantic President’s Day Weekend Destinations

For President’s Day weekend, the Mid-Atlantic area has many cities worth visiting. With a beautiful coast nearby and a rich historical background, reasons to visit the area are plentiful. Today, Theresa’s Reviews features 10 kid friendly Mid-Atlantic President’s Day weekend destinations. You would be able to enjoy these places with the entire family.

Washington, DC

First, as home to the White House, Washington DC is a natural place to spend the holiday. One interesting attraction is the National Museum of American History. There, you can explore the nation’s presidential artifacts. See George Washington’s false teeth, Lincoln’s top hat, and the first lady’s Inaugural gowns.

Check out the White House Visitor Center. At this free museum near the historic home, you can discover all sorts of fun presidential facts without having to go through the process required to visit the White House.

Another interesting place is George Washington’s Mount Vernon. At the first family’s estate, you can see how people lived during the time of early America. On President’s Day weekend, you get free admission, and you can see the wreath-laying on George Washington’s tomb.

Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg offers many family friendly attractions. While this was the site of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, it was also, almost 100 years later, the home to President Eisenhower.

Some things to do include walking in Lincoln’s footsteps during his brief – but important – visit to the town in 1863. You can visit the David Wills House as well as the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. See memorials to the speech that helped Lincoln become known as one of the greatest presidents in our nation’s history. Also, tour the home of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower near the Gettysburg battlefield.

Bucks County, PA

Next, Bucks County, Pennsylvania has an interesting connection to the Revolutionary War. At the 500 acre Washington Crossing Historic Park, step into history, and imagine George Washington crossing the Delaware River. This is where Washington helped change the course of the Revolutionary War. You can visit for George Washington’s 285th Birthday Celebration. Children will bring birthday cards, and visitors will sing Happy Birthday.

In addition to heritage tourism, you can find plenty to do in Bucks County. Check out my travel article here to learn more about restaurant recommendations and other tips.

Hershey, PA

Looking for a destination that will please your children and add some excitement to your winter? In February, you can visit Hershey for Chocolate Covered February. Families will enjoy this month-long, town wide celebration of all things chocolate.

For things to do, visit the Hershey Park Chocolate Parade, Dessert Buffets, and Hershey’s Character Breakfast. All throughout the month, you can check out events at The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction, and The Hershey Story (The Museum On Chocolate Avenue).

Baltimore, MD

Next, head to Baltimore, Maryland. This is where Frances Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. You can visit the monument dedicated to our national anthem at Fort McHenry. Another historical place is The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, where you can learn more about the American flag.

Baltimore also has many fun things to do in February. I would recommend the National Aquarium of Baltimore Experience. I have visited many times. My children loved it! The aquarium offers an incredible variety of species. With interactive exhibitions, the aquarium will appeal to all ages. Plus, you can find great restaurants since Little Italy only a street away from the aquarium.

Annapolis, MD

Annapolis played a significant role in our nation’s history. Not only was Annapolis our nation’s first capitol, but it was also home to all four of Maryland’s signers of the Declaration of Independence. You can visit the place where the Treaty of Paris was signed. Also, stop by Historic London Town, an early settlement.

Monday of President’s Day weekend kicks off Annapolis Restaurant Week in downtown Annapolis. You can sample delicious food and order from fixed-price menus at over 40 restaurant locations. Also, get a beautiful view of the water at the City Dock. Discover fine art in the Art District, and shop at many of the local boutiques.

Ocean City, MD

Although February is an off time to visit the ocean, there are many reasons to go. This is an ideal time to take in the calmness of the water without distractions. Also, Ocean City has especially low hotel rates in the winter. For activities, you can walk the boardwalk and relax as the sun sets. You can visit the indoor ice skating rink, or do miniature golf. Many local restaurants are open in the winter.

Abingdon, VA

Located further from the Atlantic coast, Abingdon, Virginia is near the Tennessee border. I recommend staying at the historic Martha Washington Inn & Spa. Built in 1832, the Inn has famous guests that include Eleanor Roosevelt and President Truman. Although rumored to be the home to a ghost, I never saw one during my stay there. One of the best parts about a February stay would be the heated indoor pool and the hot tub.

For entertainment, visit the Barter Theatre for a showing of the comedy Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks. In the downtown area, you can find restaurants and boutiques.

Williamsburg, VA

In Williamsburg, you can go ice skating and dine at delicious restaurants. Shop at Merchant’s Square, an 18th Century style retail village. In the historic district, you can enjoy the colonial decor, while eating delicious Chesapeake-inspired meals. You can also visit the Governor’s Palace, a pre-Revolution mansion.

Jamestown, VA

Finally, not far from Williamsburg is historic Jamestown. You could easily see both locations during a long weekend. Explore the first permanent English settlement in North America at the Jamestown Settlement. Visiting this historic site is an incredible way to learn about the history of our country.

About The Author

Theresa has been writing since 2010 in magazines and online. Her lifestyle and parenting expertise has been featured in publications, including ShopSmart and Scholastic. She earned an M.Ed in Elementary Education from Vanderbilt as well as a BA in History from Flagler College, and she is a certified teacher.

My husband and I plan to visit DC and old town Alexandria later this year for our anniversary. I want to take our boys too, once they are a little older. I want them to appreciate the history in the area!

We’ve visited most of these places, but sadly, my daughter doesn’t remember most of them because she was younger. I hope that we’ll get to visit again someday as I know she’d get a lot more out of it now.

I travel to the US once every year and I will surely have this on my list. Looks very vibrant and happening. And yeah…yours is a big country so its kinda hard to make most of your time with respect to touristic destinations. I hope to see it all one day. 🙂

A couple years ago I took my 3 pre-teen nephews to Washington DC. Being a History major in college I thought I’d get them interested in US history. Turns out there were a bunch of pre-teen girls staying at the same Marriott hotel so the boys preferred staying at the pool… Who knew?

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I’m a certified teacher and mother who writes a blog instead of finishing my to-do list. I have two daughters, ages 7 and 10. Sometimes they wonder why Mom’s blogging hobby involves them when I turn our daily lives into a homeschooling adventure — especially because they attend a traditional school too — but lifelong learning is a way of life that brings hands-on experiences, delightful celebrations, and fond memories! Read more here.